Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara delivered a heartfelt speech at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, during the International Day of Vesak 2026 celebration on 12 May 2026. On this sacred occasion marking the 27th anniversary of Vesak at the United Nations, his words carried the timeless message of peace, compassion, loving-kindness, and harmony taught by the Buddha for the welfare of all beings. May the light of the Dhamma continue to guide humanity toward understanding, unity, and inner peace. ☸️🕊️ #Vesak2026#UnitedNations#BhikkhuPannakara#Buddha#Buddhism#InternationalDayOfVesak#Peace#Dhamma#WalkForPeace#NewYork#UNHQ
Footprints of Aloka 🐾 One devotee lovingly took the tiny footprints of Aloka on Bhikkhu Pannakara’s book as a precious memory ❤️🐾📖 A simple moment… yet filled with deep peace, kindness, and devotion. Aloka is not just a dog — he carries a gentle spirit that touches hearts wherever he goes. These little paw prints became a symbol of love, compassion, and the beautiful bond between humans and animals on the path of peace. ☸️✨ #Aloka#PeaceDog#BhikkhuPannakara#WalkForPeace#Compassion#Buddhism#AnimalLove#Peace#Kindness#Devotion
Aloka the Peace Dog is called a “Peace Dog” because he became a living symbol of kindness, calmness, and harmony during the Walk for Peace journeys with Buddhist monks, especially alongside Bhikkhu Pannakara. Wherever he goes, people feel naturally connected to him because of his gentle and peaceful nature. One of the most beautiful things about Aloka is how calmly and peacefully he allows everyone — children, elders, and strangers from different cultures — to touch him, hug him, and interact with him without fear or aggression. His quiet trust and loving presence bring smiles and comfort to countless people along the journey. He does not spread peace through words, but through his behavior: Calmness instead of fear Kindness instead of aggression Trust instead of separation Love beyond language and borders That is why many people lovingly call him “The Peace Dog” — a peaceful companion whose presence itself reminds people of compassion, friendship, and harmony. #aloka#peacedog#walkforpeace#peace#Metta#Ahimsa#Kindness#Compassion#Humanity#Inspiration
Gautama Buddha once gave this timeless instruction to the Bhikkhus: “Caratha, bhikkhave, cārikaṁ bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya, atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ.” — Vinaya Pitaka, Mahāvagga
Translation:
“Go forth, O Bhikkhus, for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world — for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.”
This sacred teaching reveals the true spirit of the Buddha’s mission. The monks were not meant to remain attached to one place, comfort, or community. Instead, they were encouraged to travel continuously, spreading the light of Dhamma wherever suffering existed.
The path of a Bhikkhu is a path of compassion in motion — walking village to village, person to person, carrying wisdom, peace, loving-kindness, and liberation for all beings.
Even today, this teaching reminds us that the Dhamma is not meant to be hidden. It is meant to be shared selflessly for the welfare and happiness of the world.
May the noble message of the Buddha continue to guide humanity toward peace, compassion, and awakening. 🙏☸️
With a heart full of reverence, I bow before the sacred Relics that carry the living presence of the Blessed One—echoes of compassion, wisdom, and awakening that transcend time. In their silent grace, I feel the radiant light of enlightenment—preserved through centuries, yet alive in this very moment. This light does not belong to the past; it calls to us now, guiding us gently toward peace, clarity, and truth. May I take refuge in this sacred path. May my thoughts be purified with kindness and compassion. May my words reflect the timeless truth of the Dhamma. May my actions bring peace to all beings. In humility, I return to the eternal refuge of the Triple Gem— The Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha— A sanctuary that has guided countless hearts across a thousand years. May all beings be free from suffering. May all hearts awaken. May peace prevail within and beyond. 🙏✨ #TripleGem#Buddha#Dhamma#Sangha#Peace#Awakening#SpiritualJourney#Buddhism#Gratitude
Vesak Celebration Dallas -Fort Worth, TX - May 2-10, 2026
We warmly invite all venerable monks and nuns from all traditions, along with everyone who wishes to attend, to join us for a grand gathering centered on peace, wisdom, compassion, and harmony.
Vesak is the most sacred observance in the Buddhist calendar, honoring the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing (Parinirvana) of the Buddha. From May 2-10, 2026, the venerable monks of the Walk for Peace, joined by many other venerable monks from across the globe, will gather at the Hương Đạo Vipassanā Bhavānā Center in Fort Worth, TX.
Together, we will create a space of stillness and shared intention, reflecting on the timeless message of mindfulness and unity to carry that light forward into the world.
This year's celebration carries a truly rare blessing. For the first time in the history of the United States and Sri Lanka, the Sacred Relics of the Buddha national treasures of Sri Lanka-and a living Bodhi Tree Sapling have been invited to the United States. This historic arrival is made possible through the gracious support of the Sri Lankan Government and the Sri Lankan Sangha. The sapling is a verified descendant of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago.
Throughout these nine days, our community will share in peace talks, meditation, sacred chanting, food offerings to the venerable monks, and the breathtaking lighting of 24,000 candles for world peace.
Where: Hương Đạo Temple, 4717 East Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76105
17 When: May 2 - May 10,
2026
Whether you are traveling from near or far, our doors are open for you to experience this collective moment of peace and harmony. For those who cannot attend in person, we will be livestreaming many of the events throughout these days, so everyone from afar can also join with us in spirit.
We look forward to seeing everyone as we walk this journey of peace together.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.
Back home for the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony. A beautiful gathering of monks and devotees from around the world, united in prayer for global peace and harmony.
358gatha
https://youtu.be/Ly2T5IbI3ik?si=5Qa-0...
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358gatha
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara delivered a heartfelt speech at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, during the International Day of Vesak 2026 celebration on 12 May 2026.
On this sacred occasion marking the 27th anniversary of Vesak at the United Nations, his words carried the timeless message of peace, compassion, loving-kindness, and harmony taught by the Buddha for the welfare of all beings.
May the light of the Dhamma continue to guide humanity toward understanding, unity, and inner peace. ☸️🕊️
#Vesak2026 #UnitedNations #BhikkhuPannakara #Buddha #Buddhism #InternationalDayOfVesak #Peace #Dhamma #WalkForPeace #NewYork #UNHQ
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358gatha
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358gatha
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358gatha
Footprints of Aloka 🐾
One devotee lovingly took the tiny footprints of Aloka on Bhikkhu Pannakara’s book as a precious memory ❤️🐾📖
A simple moment… yet filled with deep peace, kindness, and devotion.
Aloka is not just a dog — he carries a gentle spirit that touches hearts wherever he goes.
These little paw prints became a symbol of love, compassion, and the beautiful bond between humans and animals on the path of peace. ☸️✨
#Aloka #PeaceDog #BhikkhuPannakara #WalkForPeace #Compassion #Buddhism #AnimalLove #Peace #Kindness #Devotion
4 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,131
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358gatha
Aloka the Peace Dog is called a “Peace Dog” because he became a living symbol of kindness, calmness, and harmony during the Walk for Peace journeys with Buddhist monks, especially alongside Bhikkhu Pannakara.
Wherever he goes, people feel naturally connected to him because of his gentle and peaceful nature. One of the most beautiful things about Aloka is how calmly and peacefully he allows everyone — children, elders, and strangers from different cultures — to touch him, hug him, and interact with him without fear or aggression. His quiet trust and loving presence bring smiles and comfort to countless people along the journey.
He does not spread peace through words, but through his behavior:
Calmness instead of fear
Kindness instead of aggression
Trust instead of separation
Love beyond language and borders
That is why many people lovingly call him “The Peace Dog” — a peaceful companion whose presence itself reminds people of compassion, friendship, and harmony.
#aloka #peacedog #walkforpeace #peace #Metta #Ahimsa #Kindness #Compassion #Humanity #Inspiration
6 days ago | [YT] | 2,040
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358gatha
Gautama Buddha once gave this timeless instruction to the Bhikkhus:
“Caratha, bhikkhave, cārikaṁ bahujanahitāya bahujanasukhāya lokānukampāya, atthāya hitāya sukhāya devamanussānaṁ.”
— Vinaya Pitaka, Mahāvagga
Translation:
“Go forth, O Bhikkhus, for the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world — for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.”
This sacred teaching reveals the true spirit of the Buddha’s mission. The monks were not meant to remain attached to one place, comfort, or community. Instead, they were encouraged to travel continuously, spreading the light of Dhamma wherever suffering existed.
The path of a Bhikkhu is a path of compassion in motion — walking village to village, person to person, carrying wisdom, peace, loving-kindness, and liberation for all beings.
Even today, this teaching reminds us that the Dhamma is not meant to be hidden. It is meant to be shared selflessly for the welfare and happiness of the world.
May the noble message of the Buddha continue to guide humanity toward peace, compassion, and awakening. 🙏☸️
1 week ago | [YT] | 1,295
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358gatha
With a heart full of reverence, I bow before the sacred Relics that carry the living presence of the Blessed One—echoes of compassion, wisdom, and awakening that transcend time.
In their silent grace, I feel the radiant light of enlightenment—preserved through centuries, yet alive in this very moment. This light does not belong to the past; it calls to us now, guiding us gently toward peace, clarity, and truth.
May I take refuge in this sacred path.
May my thoughts be purified with kindness and compassion.
May my words reflect the timeless truth of the Dhamma.
May my actions bring peace to all beings.
In humility, I return to the eternal refuge of the Triple Gem—
The Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha—
A sanctuary that has guided countless hearts across a thousand years.
May all beings be free from suffering.
May all hearts awaken.
May peace prevail within and beyond.
🙏✨ #TripleGem #Buddha #Dhamma #Sangha #Peace #Awakening #SpiritualJourney #Buddhism #Gratitude
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358gatha
Vesak Celebration Dallas -Fort Worth, TX - May 2-10, 2026
We warmly invite all venerable monks and nuns from all traditions, along with everyone who wishes to attend, to join us for a grand gathering centered on peace, wisdom, compassion, and harmony.
Vesak is the most sacred observance in the Buddhist calendar, honoring the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing (Parinirvana) of the Buddha. From May 2-10, 2026, the venerable monks of the Walk for Peace, joined by many other venerable monks from across the globe, will gather at the Hương Đạo Vipassanā Bhavānā Center in Fort Worth, TX.
Together, we will create a space of stillness and shared intention, reflecting on the timeless message of mindfulness and unity to carry that light forward into the world.
This year's celebration carries a truly rare blessing. For the first time in the history of the United States and Sri Lanka, the Sacred Relics of the Buddha national treasures of Sri Lanka-and a living Bodhi Tree Sapling have been invited to the United States. This historic arrival is made possible through the gracious support of the Sri Lankan Government and the Sri Lankan Sangha. The sapling is a verified descendant of the original Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago.
Throughout these nine days, our community will share in peace talks, meditation, sacred chanting, food offerings to the venerable monks, and the breathtaking lighting of 24,000 candles for world peace.
Where: Hương Đạo Temple, 4717 East Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76105
17 When: May 2 - May 10,
2026
Whether you are traveling from near or far, our doors are open for you to experience this collective moment of peace and harmony. For those who cannot attend in person, we will be livestreaming many of the events throughout these days, so everyone from afar can also join with us in spirit.
We look forward to seeing everyone as we walk this journey of peace together.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.
#WalkForPeace
#PeaceWalk
#Buddhist Monks
Sources: Walk for Peace
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358gatha
Back home for the International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony. A beautiful gathering of monks and devotees from around the world, united in prayer for global peace and harmony.
#TipitakaChanting
#WorldPeace
#Visakha Bucha
#Peace Walk
#WalkForPeace
#buddhism #love
#thankyou #walker #usareels
#usa
Credit: Walk for Peace
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